Everest Base Camp Trek
Trek in the footsteps of legends as we ascend from 9,200 feet to 18,192 feet in elevation, where verdant forested valleys fall away before the icebound drama of the world’s highest mountains. Trekking at a moderate pace allows time to acclimatize and to learn about the rich Sherpa culture of the Solu Khumbu region. Explore brilliantly decorated temples and monasteries. Traverse the lower slopes of Tawoche, a 21,463’ collection of bare rock, glaciers and towering ice spires. On Kala Patar, skirt car-sized boulders to reach its 18,192’ summit for sunset and enjoy one of the best light shows on earth! Your friendly Sherpa staff provides surprisingly tasty meals while lending support and companionship. Begin and end this epic journey in exotic Kathmandu.
Dreaming of Everest but not strenuous trekking? Check out our new, easier Spirit of Everest Trek.
Important Notice: Day 1 is the day you should plan to arrive at the meeting point for the trip. This may require departing your hometown one or more days in advance and traveling on an overnight flight.
Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary:
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Day 1
Your trip begins today in Kathmandu, Nepal. After clearing immigration and customs, you are met by our Sherpa staff and transferred to the hotel. The afternoon is left open to rest and explore. Perhaps, take a walking tour with your guide and explore the streets of bustling Kathmandu. There will be an evening orientation with the group to review your trip’s itinerary. Meals on your own.
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Day 2
Enjoy a half-day guided tour of the ancient cities of Kathmandu and Patan. Nepal is a country rich in religious diversity. Today you visit various Buddhist and Hindu shrines and temples: Swayambhunath (the Monkey Temple), Boudhanath Stupa and Patan Durbar Square, with an optional drive to the Tibetan Refugee Carpet center in Jawalakhel.The rest of the day is our own to explore and to repack your bags for tomorrow's trek departure. Breakfast included.
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Day 3
Early morning (7 a.m.) we transfer to the airport to catch our scenic flight to Lukla (9,200'), the entrance into the Solu Khumbu. While having lunch, the supplies and our gear are loaded onto yaks. The trek begins with a 4-hour hike down through terraced hillsides and along stone fences to the Dudh Kosi River (8,600’), across a hanging bridge, to our first camp in the near Phakding. Take notice of the huge boulder inscribed with the Buddhist prayer “Om mani padme hum” … “O lotus-seated god the celestial jewel”. Throughout the trek you’ll encounter the Sherpa people reciting this mantra over and over again – a virtuous deed believed to influence the next life. All meals included Days 3-16.
Trekking 3-4 hours; Elevation loss 600’. -
Day 4
The dawn’s air is crisp as the sun won't reach the bottom of the Dudh Kosi Valley until mid-morning. Today, the trail wanders through rolling terrain, past traditional homes, plowed fields and pine and cedar forests while slowly ascending to the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park. Far up the valley, the snowy peak of Thamserku (21,856’) is a tease of what’s to come. An early lunch provides fuel for the steep 1,800’ hike to the village of Namche Bazaar (11,300’). Namche is the largest Sherpa village and has been the primary staging area for major Himalayan expeditions. It is a major establishment because of the abundant source of fresh water and its lively bazaar. REI has a long history here and has cultivated many Sherpa friends. We are likely to have the opportunity for a Sherpa home-stay this evening.
Trekking: 6 hours; Elevation: gain 2,700’. -
Day 5
Temple horns and yak bells awaken us to a sunrise surrounded by snowy white mountains over 20,000’ high! You’ll appreciate this layover day – it’s planned for relaxation and acclimatization. Peaks include Kwangde (20,930'), Thamserku (21,856'), and Kangtega (22,240'). A day hike to the Everest View Hotel (12,400') not only helps us with acclimatization, but provides stunning views of Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam (22,943’) and Mount Everest (29,035’). Overnight in Namche.
Trekking: 4-5 hours. Elevation gain/loss: 1,100'. -
Day 6
From Namche Bazaar our trek leaves the standard Base Camp trail for the next two days. We ascend up past the Syangboche airstrip (12,200) and down into the small hidden valley of Khumjung. Khumjung has the most important school and the only hospital in the Khumbu region, and both were built by Sir Edmund Hillary. Crossing the valley we ascend through a rhododendron forest, traversing the beautiful southern slope of Khumbila, the holy mountain of the Sherpas. We trek over Moung La pass (12,992') stopping for lunch with the spectacular peak of Ama Dablam looming in the near background. Then we descend to Phortse Tenga where we'll camp tonight beside the Dudh Koshi River, fed by the glaciers of the tenth highest peak in the world, Cho Oyo. If time permits, we might also hike up to Phortse which is approximately 45 minutes hike from Phortse Tenga. Watch for impeyan pheasants, tahr mountain goats, and possibly musk deer when walking through the forests today.
Trekking: 6-7 hours; Elevation loss is 700', gain is 2,100'. -
Day 7
Today is another acclimatization day in that we end the day sleeping at nearly the same altitude as last night. Crossing the river, we begin a gentle ascent of around 500 feet, hiking through the village of Phortse and following the contour of the Imja Khola River to Pangboche Monastery (13,030'), the oldest monastery in the Everest region. Sitting among the 400 year old juniper trees, gaze across the valley at the magnificent mountain scenery.
Trekking: 6-7 hours hike; Elevation loss and gain is 800'. -
Day 8
This is a long day with the toughest section coming right at the end as we ascend 1100’ to Dingboche (14,400’). In the afternoon, our trail swings off the main track to the east and climbs slowly up to the windswept potato fields of Dingboche village, the highest permanent Sherpa settlement in the region. Ama Dablam’s razor edges are particularly dramatic here. Note: We take the lower trail to Pheriche (13,900’) if health or weather makes this a more prudent choice.
Trekking: 5-6 hours; Elevation: gain 1700’. -
Day 9
Today is a great day to rest, sleep in, wash up, take photos and reflect, but it's also a great day for adventure. There are many exhilarating day hikes accessible to us, including a Sherpa favorite that leads up to the base of Nangkar Tshang peak, a round trip of 5 hours that offers stunning views of Makalu. Hiking up to this high point then returning to camp at a lower elevation for the night helps the body acclimatize effectively. We do not move camp tonight.
Trekking: optional, 5 hours. -
Day 10
Ascend gently through alpine scrub and yak pastures to Loboche (16,269’). The scenery becomes more and more stunning, with views of Tawoche (21,463’), Cholotse (21,128’), Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Lhotse’, Lhotse Shar’ and a host of “lesser” peaks. We pass fewer and fewer trekkers the further into the interior we go. As has been true throughout the trek, it is imperative to be drinking lots of water and staying well hydrated at this altitude.
Trekking: 5 hours; Elevation: gain 2,100’. -
Day 11
The next two days host some of our trek's most exceptional highlights. On day 11, we trek a relatively easy 3-hours up to Gorek Shep (17,100'). This tiny "village" consists of a couple of small stone huts residing in the shadow of Kala Patar Ri (18,190'). We arrive in time for lunch, and then evaluate conditions to decide on our next objective. Depending on the weather, we will either spend the remainder of the day today hiking to the summit of Kala Patar for exceptional views of Mt. Everest (29,035'), or we will make the 3-4 hour hike up to the official Mt. Everest Base Camp, saving Kala Patar for tomorrow morning. In either case, it is likely that we'll descend in the dark to our dinner at camp, so bring warm clothes, a headlamp and double-check your batteries before setting out.
Trekking to Gorek Shep: 3 hours; Elevation gain to camp is 900'.
Optional additional hikes may include round trip Gorek Shep-Kala Patar hike: 3 - 4 hours; Elevation gain/loss is 1,300' or round trip Gorek Shep-Everest Base Camp hike: 3-3.5 hours; Elevation gain/loss is a little over 800'. -
Day 12
Today, we'll pick-up where we left off the previous day completing whichever of the two hikes we were not already able to enjoy. Meanwhile, Sherpas and yaks move camp on an easy trek back down to Loboche or on to Thokla or Upper Pheriche depending on physical ability and time permitting. You may choose to join the group for the optional 3-4 hour morning hike up Kala Patar or to Base Camp, or you may opt to join the Sherpas going back down the trail. This is really a spare day to allow for weather, serendipity, acclimatization and further exploration and we will end the day at a new, lower campsite in Loboche or Thokla, or Upper Pheriche.
Trekking to Loboche or Thokla: 2-3 hours; Elevation loss is 800' to Loboche or 1,800' to Thokla.
Optional additional hikes may include round trip Gorek Shep-Kala Patar hike: 2-3 hours; Elevation gain/loss is 1,300' or round trip Gorek Shep-Everest Base Camp hike: 2-3 hours; Elevation gain/loss is a little over 800'. -
Day 13
Descending further today on a remote trail, we enjoy beautiful scenery and breathing becomes easier in the more oxygen-rich air. We'll enjoy lunch in Pheriche today then later arrive at camp in Deboche or Tengboche, if time and physical ability permits.
Trekking: 5-6 hours. Elevation loss is 3,950' from Loboche and 2,950' from Thokla. -
Day 14
Today is fairly easy going as it is mostly downhill and the air continues to become more oxygen-rich as we reach the spacious plateau upon which Tengboche Monastery is built at 12,761'. Impressive Tengboche Monastery is the main Tibetan Buddhist temple in the Khumbu region. Not really a village, Tengboche is primarily a gompa and everyone living there is in some way associated with the operations of the monastery. After a visit there, we continue descending to the Imja Khola river then trek on to Namche Bazaar where we'll spend the night.
Trekking: 4-5 hours; Elevation loss is 890'. -
Day 15
Leaving Namche Bazaar, we descend today to Phakding, camping tonight by the Dudh Koshi River where, after many days on the trail, we'll enjoy a celebratory farewell party with our Sherpa friends.
Trekking: 4 hours; Elevation loss is 2,650'. -
Day 16
Today is a short day of trekking down from Phakding to Lukla beginning with a short descent, then climbing to end in Lukla as we leave the snowcapped Himalayas behind, carrying away the unforgettable memories of this epic journey. Overnight in Lukla.
Trekking: 5 hours; Elevation loss is 400', gain is 1,150'. -
Day 17
Very early morning preparation and return flight to Kathmandu. We are met by our ground staff and transferred to our hotel for hot showers, clean clothes and a relaxed day. The balance of the day is free time. Breakfast is included.
Note about flights: Most treks run during the best weather conditions of the year and there is an extra day at the end of the trek to allow for poor weather, sightseeing and shopping. Flights to and from Lukla are not always dependable; weather conditions may cause flight cancellations. Delays are possible any time of year but are more typical on the summer departures. Costs of any evacuation are in addition to any previously paid air/land costs and are billed to trip members upon return to the States; thus we highly recommend the purchase of trip insurance. -
Day 18
Free day and sightseeing. This day is on your own, but we provide lots of hints about what to see and do. One big hint: don’t miss the fascinating medieval city of Bhaktapur. Breakfast is included.
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Days 19
We transfer to the airport for homeward bound flights.
Although we do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.
National Park fees, 4 nights hotel in Kathmandu, meals as noted on the itinerary, Sherpa guides and porters, cooks and commissary crew, tents, foam sleeping pads, community cooking gear, baggage portage, and airport transfers.
Air transportation to/from Nepal, Bangkok hotel costs (if routing requires an overnight), flights within Nepal (mandatory $250 internal flight), 1 breakfast, 3 lunches, 3 dinners, visas, any necessary emergency evacuation flight, optional tips to guides and staff, airport taxes, cost of obtaining a passport or medical immunizations, insurance, and items of a personal nature such as liquor or laundry fees.
If you are traveling alone and specifically request single accommodations, you will be asked to pay the full single supplement noted on the trip itinerary. If you wish to share accommodations, we will assign you a roommate if one is available. If a roommate cannot be found, you will be asked to pay a reduced single fee which is half of the full single supplement. Please be advised that there are a limited number of single rooms available.
This trip is rated Strenuous [5]. Trekking in Nepal is for active people in good health who enjoy vigorous hiking. Nepal has an “up and down” topography, there is very little level walking. We expect participants to be strong, experienced hikers in good physical condition. Gear and supplies will be carried by porters or yaks, leaving members free to carry only a daypack. No technical climbing or other special abilities are required. However, each person should be equipped with a "spirit of adventure" and have prior experience with backcountry camping, sleeping in a tent and willingness to undergo the potential hardships of outdoor living and long days on the trail. This trek spends considerable time at altitudes between 11,000' and 17,100'. The trails themselves are only moderate, but at these altitudes hiking will feel more strenuous. A good physical conditioning program must be undertaken several months in advance to get into shape. A physician’s signature is required for participation on this trip.
There are two ideal "weather windows" for Nepal. From the latter half of March until the first part of May temperatures are relatively warm, 10° to 15° warmer than in the fall. Mornings are bright and clear with the air slowly becoming hazier as the day progresses. The rhododendron forests in springtime are spectacular, with color displays that are "Himalayan" in beauty. June is warm and green with very few other trekkers – the sense of solitude is much greater than other seasons. However, it is more likely to include rain showers, hazy skies, wet and muddy trail conditions and possible flight delays. Afternoon rain showers do occur in June and mountain views can be sporadic or interspersed with clouds. The fall season, the latter half of October through December, is an ideal time for the best mountain views. The days are typically sunny and clear with moderate temperatures and the evenings are usually quite cold...frosty, to be exact. Trekking to the very high Mt. Everest Base Camp region (at more than 17,000 feet) can include 0° temperatures at night and a 50% chance of some snow anytime above the 13,000 foot level. During the day, above 15,000 feet, do not anticipate temperatures above 35°. Again, since your body is taking in less than half its normal supply of oxygen, 32° will feel colder than we are accustomed to at home.
This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and pre-departure information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased at the time of your initial reservation, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).
We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.
Everest Base Camp Trek
The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. This gear list has been created to help you choose the proper equipment. Try to bring only what is necessary; this will help you and the field staff.
Weather
There are two ideal "weather windows" for Nepal. From the latter half of March until the first part of May temperatures are relatively warm, 10° to 15° warmer than in the fall. Mornings are bright and clear with the air slowly becoming hazier as the day progresses. The rhododendron forests in springtime are spectacular, with color displays that are "Himalayan" in beauty. June is warm and green with very few other trekkers – the sense of solitude is much greater than other seasons. However, it is more likely to include rain showers, hazy skies, wet and muddy trail conditions and possible flight delays. Afternoon rain showers do occur in June and mountain views can be sporadic or interspersed with clouds. The fall season, the latter half of October through December, is an ideal time for the best mountain views. The days are typically sunny and clear with moderate temperatures and the evenings are usually quite cold...frosty, to be exact. Trekking to the very high Mt. Everest Base Camp region (at more than 17,000 feet) can include 0° temperatures at night and a 50% chance of some snow anytime above the 13,000 foot level. During the day, above 15,000 feet, do not anticipate temperatures above 35°. Again, since your body is taking in less than half its normal supply of oxygen, 32° will feel colder than we are accustomed to at home.
Flight Weight Restriction
Flights to Lukla have a weight restriction of 30 pounds. Please pack light and adhere to this list.
Gear Checklist
- Tents, stoves, fuel
- Sleeping pads
- Cooking and eating utensils
- Trip leader first-aid kit
- Valid passport
- Copy of first page of passport
- Airline tickets
- Visa form for Nepal (or obtain at Kathmandu airport)
- 4 extra passport photos
- Duffel bag - extra-large, 7,000 cu. in.
- Duffel bag - for non-trek items left at the hotel in Kathmandu
- Daypack to carry camera, water bottles, extra clothing
- Luggage tags and locks
- Sleeping bag with stuff sack, rated to 10° or less
- Rain jacket with hood, water repellent and roomy
- Rain pants (side zippers are convenient)
- Insulated parka/ski jacket, down or synthetic filled (REQUIRED)
- Midweight fleece or wool sweater
- Fleece pants or tights (see 'optional')
- Midweight thermal underwear tops and bottom, synthetic or wool
- Expedition-weight thermal tops/bottoms
- Hiking pants/skirt
- Hiking shorts - men (spring and summer treks)
- Long-sleeve shirts
- T-shirts
- Underwear
- Hiking socks, wool or synthetic
- Liner socks
- Sun hat
- Wool or fleece hat
- Bandana
- Wool or fleece gloves
- Thin liner gloves
- Snow gaiters (Fall treks only)
- Hiking boots, sturdy, ankle support, water-resistant, broken-in
- Camp shoes: trail shoes or sneakers
- Bring a few lightweight, easily washable items for travel and daily wear
- Comfortable shoes
- Two 1-quart water bottles or hydration system
- Hiking staff or trekking poles
- Reliable flashlight or headlamp (lithium batteries are best for cold weather)
- Pocket knife or multi-tool
- Ear plugs
- Small quantity of favorite energy snacks and/or drink mix
- 'Potable Aqua' water treatment tablets (iodine)
- Sunglasses with retainer strap (side-shields or glacier glasses recommended)
- Sunblock and lip balm – SPF 30+
- Toiletry kit
- Small quick-dry towel
- Personal first-aid kit
- Hand sanitizer gel or Handi-wipes
- Several Ziploc plastic bags
- Large, heavy-duty plastic trash bags (2)
- Trowel, lighter, roll of toilet paper in plastic bag
- Camera and film, spare batteries
- Down- or synthetic-filled pants (a very wise addition for Fall treks)
- Down booties (for Fall treks around camp)
- Knee supports
- Altimeter
- Spare contact lenses or glasses
- Games and toys: Frisbee, cards, etc.
- Reading and writing materials
Things to Consider
- Please remember to always pack essential items such as your passport, money, eyewear, a change of clothing, and medications in your carry-on baggage, in case your luggage is delayed.
- Culturally sensitive dressing tips: Women - pants or a skirt with tights underneath are fine. Tights, shorts and sports tops are not advised unless worn under other clothing. Men - pants are best, or wear knee-length hiking shorts. Men should never go shirtless.
- This gear list can fit into one large duffel. You may want to consider using an extra large duffel so that you have space to carry home all the great gifts and souvenirs you may be purchasing. Be sure to adhere to your airline's baggage size and weight restrictions. Additional charges may apply if you exceed their parameters.
- Cotton is wonderful in warm weather. However, once it becomes wet, it will drain your body heat. Bring wool or synthetics such as Capilene, MTS and Thermax.
- You may find that you will not use every piece of clothing that is on this gear list. However, the list has been created to provide for the full range of weather conditions that you MAY encounter during your trek. Should the weather be unseasonably cold or wet, you will appreciate having this gear.
- Always test your layers before a trip. Your outer layer should fit easily over the inside ones without binding or bunching up.
- Make sure boots are broken-in. Bring moleskin for foot treatment. Thin liner socks worn under regular hiking socks may minimize the risk of blisters. The liner sock should be synthetic, not cotton. Test your sock combination before you go on the trip.
- Travel clothes, extra gear, and purchases will be left in a storage room at our Kathmandu hotel. Please bring a small bag, luggage tag, and a lock for this purpose.
- It may be difficult to obtain feminine health supplies while in Nepal. Women are advised to bring these items from home.
- Gifts: Trekkers are always amazed at the helpfulness of the Sherpas and the hospitality of the Nepali families met along the way. Clothing or gear recently used on your trek make great gifts. Please don't bring extra gifts, as these are a burden to you and the staff while trekking.
